Old Posts

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

How often should I bathe my baby?Although some parents bathe their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than once or twice a week. (Just wash his face frequently and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.) When you do bathe him, you may find it a little scary to handle your wiggly little one when he's all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip. Most babies find the warm water very soothing.Indah had her bath on the very first day she got home.. my mom bathed her.. I wasn't allow to do the bath coz Indah was so fragile and soft.... she enjoys taking her bath very much.. she would sit or lay quietly in the tub and enjoy the warm water..

Where should I bathe my baby? Instead of using a standard bathtub, which requires you to kneel or lean awkwardly over your baby and gives you less control over his movements, it makes sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub.

In my case, we bought a pink colour baby bath tub that could accomodate Indah till she is about 1 1/2 years old :)..

What's the best way to give my baby a bath? Here's how to do it and what you'll need to make baby-bathing easy. With any luck, his bath will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together:

1. Assemble all necessary bath accessories. Ypu can also lay out your babies clothes, diapers and etc. so that it will ease you once the bath is done...

2. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water that feels warm but not hot, about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). There's a tip to check the water temperature .. :) .. place your elbow in the water .. if it is warm than the water is OK.. if not .. add in cold water to make it warm...

3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him completely. I normally undress Indah first, then carry her to the bath area.. easier that way I guess :)

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold... in my case, I would normally wash Indah's face first.. selawat 3 kali :) than later shampoo her hair.. after rinsing.. wipe the face and the head, so that she won't catch cold ..

5. Use soap sparingly (it dries your baby's skin) as you wash him with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front to back. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Use a moistened cotton ball to clean his eyes and face. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that is needed. If dried mucus has collected in the corner of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section of a moistened washcloth to soften it before you wipe it out.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean washcloth.

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat him dry. If his skin is dry, or if he has a bit of diaper rash, you may want to apply a mild lotion after his bath.